Rules and regulations

Apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW are administered under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001.

This Act provides the framework which supports and protects employers and their apprentices and trainees.

Qualifications from nationally agreed training packages are identified by industry as being suitable to be delivered as an apprenticeship or traineeship. They are established in New South Wales using a Vocational Training Order (VTO). The VTO specifies the qualification, length of apprenticeship or traineeship and probationary period.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are published on this website in Commissioners Information Bulletins (CIB). The CIB specifies:

• if the qualification is an apprenticeship or a traineeship
• job descriptions to help you decide which qualification is suitable for your employee and your workplace
• industrial arrangements and awards
• licensing requirements for the industry
• any additional regulatory requirements
• links to resources for registered training organisations
• links to training providers available to deliver the training.

Employers should also be aware of their responsibilities under state and federal legislation for occupational health and safety, the employment of young people under 18 years of age, superannuation and taxation. The NSW Government Fair Trading website is an excellent source of information.

 

Advice and support

During the apprenticeship or traineeship you can obtain advice and support from State Training Services as well as your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre.

Initially, staff from an Australian Apprenticeships Centre (AAC) will help you to establish the apprenticeship or traineeship with NSW Department of Education and Training - State Training Services, and advise you on the funding or other assistance that may be available to you as an employer.

Once registered, AAC staff and State Training Service's field staff will monitor the apprenticeship or traineeship and assist with training aspects. If things don't work out, and you (or your apprentice/trainee) want to cancel, suspend or transfer the apprenticeship/traineeship to another employer, State Training Services staff will assist in resolving the situation and make necessary arrangements.

For more information you can visit the Australian Apprenticeships web site.